Would like honest suggestions about tow vehicle issues

[my case ih]

03 cummins, 19MPG no matter what I do with it. Bone stock. 2 jeeps on a goose from C Springs to Moab 15MPG. Mojor Maint since new? Valve adjustment and radiator hose and a water pump. Since the cummins is based on a commercial engine, the water pump was a 20 minute job and looses very little anti freeze when you pull the pump. Its 3 bolts and a belt. Now that I have figured out to let Cummins do maint on it, its cheaper than dodge and they know what the **** theyre doing.

Get a prius or go home

 

[adventure bob]

I would agree with you...but then we'd both be wrong.
Your prius will get better gas mileage, right up till we hook a 30ft horse trailer to it. Then lets see how well it does.

 

[my case ih]

I would agree with you...but then we'd both be wrong.
Your prius will get better gas mileage, right up till we hook a 30ft horse trailer to it. Then lets see how well it does.

I hate prius I just say that to ford and dodge fans I'm a chev guy

 

[Diamondpilot]

I hate prius I just say that to ford and dodge fans I'm a chev guy

That says a lot....


Chris

 

[mikehaugen]

That says a lot....

Chris

Hey now we (as in non-ford lovers) make no claim to him. :laughing:

All of his statements include "we" when referring to different vehicles/tractors he says he has. This to me indicates that he doesn't actually own any of them... probably Daddy of Grandpa or Uncle Cletus I would have to assume.

 

[handirifle]

What I would like to know is how did my thread turn into one about a pppprrrriii? I cant even say the word.

 

[handirifle]

I like the way one of the diesel mags "recycled" a pppprrrrriii, ran over it with a tank.

I am so fed up with this government forcing our hands in soooo much of our lives.

Now back on topic, what major flaws should I look out for on a 00-03 (early 7.3 model) Ford? Am seeing some of those at very attractive prices.

 

[Degolyerent]

I own a 2000 F250 w/automatic and 3.73 gear ratio and I would say to look for leaks in the valley of the engine which will show up at transmission bell housing area like a rear main seal leaking, also leaks at oil cooler on drivers side of motor under exhaust manifold area. The transmissions are a weak point but if you beef it up and use a triple disk converter you will be in good shape. Also recommend trans.temp gauge and a 6.0 cooler if you tow a lot. Mine has been a very good reliable truck that I tow 10,000-12,000 lbs with almost every day in FL. heat. Also check the injectors as they are a costly repair usually around 200,000 or slightly more, depending on individual truck. Overall I am very happy with the 7.3 it is a awesome motor for longevity.
John

 

[Degolyerent]

Oil leaks, injectors and transmission. Overall they are very reliable

 

[Degolyerent]

I thought I lost the original post sorry

 

[my case ih]

I like the way one of the diesel mags "recycled" a pppprrrrriii, ran over it with a tank.

I am so fed up with this government forcing our hands in soooo much of our lives.

Now back on topic, what major flaws should I look out for on a 00-03 (early 7.3 model) Ford? Am seeing some of those at very
you need 06 chev 1500

 

[my case ih]

Hey now we (as in non-ford lovers) make no claim to him. :laughing:

All of his statements include "we" when referring to different vehicles/tractors he says he has. This to me indicates that he doesn't actually own any of them... probably Daddy of Grandpa or Uncle Cletus I would have to assume.

No when I mean family owns them on hour farm

 

[handirifle]

I own a 2000 F250 w/automatic and 3.73 gear ratio and I would say to look for leaks in the valley of the engine which will show up at transmission bell housing area like a rear main seal leaking, also leaks at oil cooler on drivers side of motor under exhaust manifold area. The transmissions are a weak point but if you beef it up and use a triple disk converter you will be in good shape. Also recommend trans.temp gauge and a 6.0 cooler if you tow a lot. Mine has been a very good reliable truck that I tow 10,000-12,000 lbs with almost every day in FL. heat. Also check the injectors as they are a costly repair usually around 200,000 or slightly more, depending on individual truck. Overall I am very happy with the 7.3 it is a awesome motor for longevity.
John

For the ignorance in me, explain "check the injectors". How and what for?

I was all set to start looking for an 06 Dmax but these trucks are showing up under 20K with right around 100K on the clock. If one does have oil leaks are they costly to repair. or have repaired?

 

[Degolyerent]

http://www.swampsdiesel.com/files/7.3LInjectorDiagnostic.pdf


This is a article about injectors, also I don't know how much it cost to fix oil leaks as I do all my own work and have for 40 years but parts are cheap enough.
John

 

[my case ih]

http://www.swampsdiesel.com/files/7.3LInjectorDiagnostic.pdf


This is a article about injectors, also I don't know how much it cost to fix oil leaks as I do all my own work and have for 40 years but parts are cheap enough.
John

For an oil leak put a cork In it

 

[handirifle]

Wow good reading. Thanks for the link. I have a LOT to learn about how diesels work.

For the oil leak/cork, I assume you mean cork gasket?

 

[Degolyerent]

http://www.guzzle7pt3.com/index.php
Some more reading for you, go to different links and some will show you the o rings and gaskets it takes to fix some of the leaks.
John

 

[HHR]

For the ignorance in me, explain "check the injectors". How and what for? I was all set to start looking for an 06 Dmax but these trucks are showing up under 20K with right around 100K on the clock. If one does have oil leaks are they costly to repair. or have repaired?

It is my understanding that on the 7.3L, the motor has to be pulled if the oil pan has to come off for any reason (rusts through/gasket replacement etc.).

 

[Degolyerent]

You are right on that but that is only a problem on northern trucks, something that I don't experience. we remain rust free for the most part except closer to the ocean.
John

 

[handirifle]

Rust isn't usually an issue here either, but 30 min west the ocean air can cause some issues.

Looking online I see injectors are about $150 each so at $1250 a set, isn't cheap, but better than newer versions, like the '06 Duramax at more than twice that amount. Yikes!